Since 2022 Playoffs, the Dallas Stars goaltender, Jake Oettinger, has shown himself as a very reliable goalie that can make timely saves when the stakes are high and has been a solid wall for this team. Playoff round one against Calgary, in Game 7, he made over 60 saves and it took a lot of effort for Johnny Gaudreau and the Flames to find a way to score when he was between the pipes.

Fastforward two years and Jake Oettinger is again playing against another great team from Alberta in Playoffs 2024 and this time in the Western Conference Finals. He has been great in the past 5 games in which the Edmonton Oilers are leading the series 3-2 and today are battling hard in their hometown to win the series in 6. However, the main obstacle for Connor McDavid and his team is going to be the Stars' goalie, Jake Oettinger.

In this post, looking at the goals that the Oilers have found to score against him, I am summarizing ways that the oilers can benefit from to find a way to score in Game 6:

1. Shooting with an angle for Rebounds
2. Use Quick Releases
3. Aim for Tip-Ins
4. Execute Quick Give-and-Gos

I'll elaborate on these ideas further here.

Shoot with an Angle for Rebounds

One of the key strategies is to shoot at an angle that forces Oettinger to make saves leading to rebounds. This creates opportunities for second-chance shots. By positioning players like Zack Hyman and Ryan Nuge around the net, the Oilers can capitalize on these rebounds and increase their scoring chances. Connor McDavid has executed this tactic a few times, leading to most of the Oilers' goals in recent games. By shooting from the blue line or at an angle, they can force Oettinger to make difficult saves, creating rebound opportunities for their teammates.

Use Quick Releases

Quick releases can catch Oettinger off guard. Instead of winding up for a big slapshot, the Oilers should focus on quick wrist shots and snap shots. These types of shots are harder for goalies to read and react to, especially if they come unexpectedly. For instance, McDavid's overtime winner in Game 1 came off a quick release on a pass from Evan Bouchard, catching Oettinger by surprise. Additionally, Leon Draisaitl's goal on a give-and-go in Game 4 exemplifies how quick, unexpected shots can be effective.

Aim for Tip-Ins

Positioning players in front of the net for tip-ins is another effective strategy. Deflections and redirections are notoriously difficult for goalies to stop, as they change the puck's trajectory at the last second. By having players screen Oettinger and look for opportunities to tip incoming shots, the Oilers can exploit this vulnerability. Working on tip-in drills can refine this skill and make it a reliable part of their offensive play.

Execute Quick Give-and-Gos

Quick give-and-go plays can dismantle defensive setups and create high-quality scoring chances. By quickly passing the puck back and forth, the Oilers can confuse the defense and force Oettinger to move laterally. This movement can open up gaps and make it easier to find the back of the net. They can also utilize rush moments when their shift is ending, catching the defense off guard. An example is Janmark's goal on Brown's pass in Game 4, where the fourth line took the opportunity seriously and capitalized on the surprise element.

Normal shots with no flavor just don't work against Oettinger. To beat him, the Oilers need to catch him by surprise using one of these ways—shooting with angles for rebounds, using quick releases, aiming for tip-ins, or executing quick give-and-gos. By refining these techniques, the Oilers can increase their offensive output and gain an edge in their matchups against the Dallas Stars.